The Work That Made Me: Jessica Batson
Jessica Batson is a director driven by highly conceptualised and aesthetically ornate content. She tells stories through lavish images, strong colour choices, quirky comedy and strong feminine characters. She meticulously builds elaborate worlds that captivate viewers with their enchanting whimsy.
LBB> The ad/music video from my childhood that stays with me…
Jessica> Growing up, I was enamoured with movies like 'The Wizard of Oz', 'The King and I', 'My Fair Lady', 'The Sound of Music' & 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'. I felt such an excitement with the grandeur of these films; the wigs, the clothes, the sets, the colour, everything was BIG and fantastical! All of these movies had a common theme of ‘over the top’, a bit unrealistic, but always glamorous and captivating.
LBB> The ad/music video/game/web platform that made me want to get into the industry…
Jessica> I didn’t go to film school or deliberately seek film out as a career, it serendipitously found its way into my life. I was already in the industry as a commercial producer when I discovered 'Nowness' and my mind was blown. I found this outlet that was just brimming with possibilities and creative avenues to explore. Two of my favourites being: 'Head Over Heels' & 'Touch the Leather'
LBB> The creative work that I keep revisiting…
Jessica> On the day I discovered Wes Anderson, it really struck me that film can go beyond entertainment, it can also be art…I know, I was very late to the game. Film is such an artistic medium, where anything feels possible. I saw this in the early films I grew up with, but I think somewhere along the way, the art of it was lost in the films that crossed my path. It took Anderson’s craft of building such robust and ornate worlds for it to click. Wes Anderson’s work has been such an inspiration to me.
LBB> My first professional project…
Jessica> I entered the industry as a producer working in commercials for a few years, then moved to a small production company to really get my hands dirty. Somewhere along the line I started directing personal projects on the side.
My first wasn’t so great, but I learned so much and importantly, I kept making and they started to get good. 'Mellow Yellow' was the first professional project I directed, for the couture designer Agnes Hamerlik. It was such a good feeling to see this thing that had been in my head for so long, come into real life.
LBB> The piece of work that made me so angry that I vowed to never make anything like *that*…
Jessica> Robin Thicke’s Unrated 'Blurred Lines'. Just. Gross. I often play with quirky, sexually suggestive content myself, but I prioritise ensuring it's overtly consensual and reflects an equitable power dynamic.
LBB> The piece of work (ad/music video/ platform…) that still makes me jealous…
Jessica> Oh my, so many. There are so many inspiring filmmakers out there. Most recently, 'Poor Things', I watched it in theatres multiple times, I just couldn’t stop. Watching other filmmaker’s brilliant pieces is what fuels my inspiration and desire to keep creating. Here are a few of my favourites:
'#CiaoKendall' – Kendall Jenner x RESERVED – AW19 campaign
LBB> The creative project that changed my career…
Jessica> Every project I direct has opened another door for opportunity. 'Exquisite Things' was a recent short film I wrote and directed that really started to get attention. It was a project dear to my heart and something so wonderful to see come to life, as well as rewarding to see it so well received.
LBB> The work that I’m proudest of…
Jessica> I spent a lot of time honing my style and crafting work that genuinely excites me. I take pride in the creative journey I've embarked on and feel fortunate that brands are drawn to the aesthetic I've cultivated. I think having this style has helped attract the type of work I’m drawn to. A recent highlight was collaborating with Deep Eddy Vodka on "Fun in a Bottle." This was such a lovely collaboration with the brand and agency, where we all made something we felt inspired by and proud of.
